Interlaken Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Interlaken, located in the heart of Switzerland, follows Swiss federal entry requirements as part of the Schengen Area. Switzerland, while not a European Union member, is part of the Schengen Agreement, which allows passport-free travel between 27 European countries. Travelers to Interlaken will typically enter Switzerland through major airports like Zurich, Geneva, or Bern, where immigration formalities are completed before continuing to Interlaken by train or car. The entry requirements for Interlaken depend on your nationality, purpose of visit, and length of stay. Citizens of many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and EU member states, can enter Switzerland visa-free for short stays of up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism or business purposes. The immigration process is generally straightforward, with passport control being the primary checkpoint. Switzerland maintains high standards for border security while ensuring efficient processing for legitimate travelers. Before traveling to Interlaken, ensure your passport is valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date from the Schengen Area and was issued within the last 10 years. You should also be prepared to demonstrate proof of sufficient funds, return or onward tickets, and accommodation arrangements. While Switzerland is known for its efficient and welcoming border procedures, having all required documentation ready will ensure a smooth entry experience.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Switzerland's visa policy is aligned with Schengen regulations. Visa requirements depend on your nationality and the purpose and duration of your stay.

Visa-Free Entry (Schengen Annex II)

90 days within any 180-day period

Citizens of these countries can enter Switzerland and the Schengen Area without a visa for short stays

Includes

Passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond intended departure date and issued within the last 10 years. The 90-day limit applies to the entire Schengen Area, not just Switzerland. Visa-free entry is for tourism, business, family visits, and short-term studies only.

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETIAS)

90 days within any 180-day period (same as current visa-free)

Starting in 2025, visa-exempt travelers will need ETIAS authorization before entering the Schengen Area

Includes

All countries currently enjoying visa-free access including US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, and others

How to Apply: Apply online through the official ETIAS website at least 96 hours before travel. Application involves providing biographical information, passport details, and answering security questions. Approval is typically instant but can take up to 30 days in some cases.
Cost: €7 (approximately CHF 7 or USD 7.50). Free for applicants under 18 or over 70.

ETIAS authorization is valid for 3 years or until passport expiration, whichever comes first. It allows multiple entries. This requirement has not yet been implemented as of December 2024 - check official sources for the launch date.

Visa Required (Schengen Annex I)

Typically 90 days within any 180-day period for tourist visas, but varies by visa type

Citizens of countries not on the visa-exempt list must obtain a Schengen visa before traveling

How to Apply: Apply at the Swiss embassy or consulate in your country of residence at least 15 days before travel (applications accepted up to 6 months in advance). Required documents include completed application form, valid passport, photographs, travel insurance, proof of accommodation, financial means, and return tickets. Biometric data collection is required.

Countries requiring visas include China, India, Russia, Turkey, South Africa, Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, and many others. Processing typically takes 10-15 working days but can take up to 30-60 days in exceptional cases. Visa fees are €80 for adults, €40 for children 6-12, free for children under 6.

Arrival Process

Most travelers arrive in Switzerland through Zurich Airport, Geneva Airport, or overland from neighboring countries. If arriving from within the Schengen Area, there are typically no border checks. If arriving from outside Schengen, you'll go through immigration control.

Document Check

Present your passport and any required visas to the immigration officer. If arriving by air from outside Schengen, this occurs after disembarking and before baggage claim. If entering by train from a non-Schengen country, checks may occur on board or at the border station.

Immigration Interview

The officer may ask about your purpose of visit, length of stay, accommodation, and return plans. Answer honestly and have supporting documents ready if requested. The interview is typically brief for tourists.

Passport Stamping

If entering from outside Schengen, your passport will be stamped with the entry date. This stamp is important for tracking your 90-day allowance. EU/EEA/Swiss citizens do not receive stamps.

Baggage Collection and Customs

After immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs. Choose the green channel (nothing to declare) or red channel (goods to declare) as appropriate.

Onward Travel to Interlaken

From major airports, take a train to Interlaken. Swiss trains are punctual and well-connected. The journey from Zurich takes about 2-2.5 hours, from Geneva about 2.5-3 hours.

Documents to Have Ready

Valid Passport

Must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your planned departure from Schengen and issued within the last 10 years. Must have at least 2 blank pages.

Visa or ETIAS (if required)

Depending on nationality, have your approved visa or ETIAS authorization ready for inspection.

Proof of Accommodation

Hotel reservations, rental confirmation, or invitation letter if staying with friends/family. May be requested by immigration.

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof that you will leave Switzerland/Schengen within the allowed period. Flight, train, or bus booking confirmation.

Proof of Sufficient Funds

Evidence you can support yourself during your stay. Switzerland recommends CHF 100 per day. Bank statements, credit cards, or cash may be requested.

Travel Insurance

Required for visa applicants (minimum €30,000 coverage). Highly recommended for all travelers to cover medical emergencies and repatriation.

Tips for Smooth Entry

Have all documents organized and easily accessible in a travel folder, including printed copies of hotel reservations and return tickets, even if you have digital versions.

Dress appropriately and be polite and patient with immigration officers. First impressions matter, and a professional demeanor facilitates a smoother process.

If you've traveled extensively in the Schengen Area, track your days carefully to ensure you haven't exceeded the 90-in-180-day limit. Use online Schengen calculators if needed.

Learn a few basic phrases in German, French, or Italian (depending on your entry point), though English is widely spoken at airports and border crossings.

Keep important documents like passport, visa, and insurance separate from your main luggage in case of loss or theft.

Arrive at the airport with plenty of time before your flight to Interlaken, especially during peak travel seasons when immigration lines can be longer.

If entering Switzerland by car, ensure you have the required motorway vignette (highway sticker) which costs CHF 40 and is mandatory for using Swiss highways.

Customs & Duty-Free

Switzerland has specific customs regulations for goods entering the country. While duty-free allowances are generous for personal use, Switzerland is not in the EU Customs Union, so different rules apply than in EU countries.

Alcohol - Spirits (over 18% alcohol)

1 liter per person

Must be 17 years or older. Applies to spirits, liqueurs, and high-alcohol beverages.

Alcohol - Wine and Beer (under 18% alcohol)

Total of 5 liters per person (wine and/or beer combined)

Must be 17 years or older. This is separate from the spirits allowance.

Tobacco - Cigarettes

250 cigarettes OR 250 grams of other tobacco products (cigars, pipe tobacco, etc.)

Must be 17 years or older. Only one tobacco product allowance applies.

Currency

CHF 10,000 or equivalent in foreign currency

Amounts exceeding CHF 10,000 must be declared upon entry and exit. This includes cash, checks, and securities. No limit on the amount you can bring, but declaration is mandatory above this threshold.

Gifts and Other Goods

Total value of CHF 300 per person (CHF 200 if arriving by land)

This includes gifts, souvenirs, and personal items. Goods clearly for personal use (used clothing, toiletries) are generally exempt. Food products have separate limits.

Meat and Dairy Products

1 kg of meat and meat products, 1 kg of dairy products per person per day

Strict limits apply to prevent disease transmission. Products must be commercially packaged and for personal consumption.

Prohibited Items

Narcotics and illegal drugs - Switzerland has strict drug laws with severe penalties
Counterfeit goods - Including fake designer items, pirated media, and counterfeit currency
Endangered species products - Items made from protected animals or plants (ivory, certain furs, exotic skins) without proper CITES permits
Weapons and ammunition - Without proper permits and declarations; includes certain knives, pepper spray, and self-defense items
Absinthe with thujon content over 35mg/kg - Traditional absinthe is restricted
Certain food products - Fresh meat and dairy from non-EU countries (except allowed quantities), unpasteurized products
Hazardous materials - Explosives, fireworks, flammable substances without authorization

Restricted Items

Prescription medications - Bring only what you need for your trip with a doctor's letter or prescription. Quantities exceeding 30 days may require special permission
Pets - Require health certificates, rabies vaccination records, and microchip identification. Dogs from certain countries need tapeworm treatment
Plants and seeds - May require phytosanitary certificates to prevent introduction of pests and diseases
Cultural artifacts and antiques - May require export permits from country of origin and import documentation
Drones and radio-controlled devices - Subject to Swiss aviation regulations; registration may be required for drones over 250g
Professional equipment - Cameras, laptops, and equipment for business use should be declared to avoid duties; ATA Carnet recommended for temporary imports

Health Requirements

Switzerland has high health and sanitation standards. There are minimal mandatory health requirements for entry, but travelers should ensure they are adequately protected and insured.

Required Vaccinations

Yellow Fever - Only if arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. Switzerland may require proof of vaccination if you've been in an endemic area within 6 days before arrival.

Recommended Vaccinations

Routine vaccinations - Ensure you're up to date with measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), and annual flu shot
Hepatitis A - Recommended for most travelers, especially if eating outside major restaurants
Hepatitis B - For travelers who might have intimate contact with locals or require medical procedures
Tick-borne Encephalitis - Recommended for travelers planning extensive outdoor activities in rural/forested areas, particularly March-November

Health Insurance

Travel health insurance is mandatory for visa applicants (minimum €30,000 coverage including emergency medical treatment and repatriation). While not legally required for visa-exempt travelers, it is strongly recommended as Switzerland has excellent but very expensive healthcare. EU/EEA citizens should bring their European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Medical costs without insurance can be extremely high - a simple doctor's visit can cost CHF 200-300.

Current Health Requirements: COVID-19 requirements have been lifted as of 2023, but check the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH) website before travel for any updated health measures. Requirements can change based on global health situations. If traveling during flu season or if there are disease outbreaks, additional health screening may be implemented at borders.

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Swiss Embassy/Consulate in Your Country

Find your nearest Swiss diplomatic mission for visa applications and consular assistance

Visit the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs website (www.eda.admin.ch) to locate embassies and consulates worldwide

State Secretariat for Migration (SEM)

Official Swiss immigration authority - www.sem.admin.ch

For official information on visa requirements, entry regulations, and immigration matters. Available in German, French, Italian, and English

Emergency Services in Switzerland

Emergency number: 112 (European emergency number) or specific services: Police 117, Ambulance 144, Fire 118

English-speaking operators available. For non-emergencies, contact local police stations or medical clinics

Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (FOPH)

For health-related entry requirements and travel health advice - www.bag.admin.ch

Current health measures, vaccination requirements, and disease outbreak information

Interlaken Tourism Office

Local tourist information - +41 33 826 53 00 or www.interlaken.ch

For assistance with accommodation, activities, and local information once you arrive

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Children must have their own passport (family passports are no longer accepted). If a child is traveling with only one parent or with someone other than parents, carry a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing the trip. Include contact information and copies of the parents' ID/passports. This is not always checked but is strongly recommended to avoid delays. For divorced or separated parents, custody documents may be helpful. Minors under 18 traveling alone may face additional questioning.

Traveling with Pets

Dogs and cats must be microchipped with ISO-compliant chip (15-digit). Rabies vaccination is required, administered at least 21 days before entry and valid according to manufacturer's guidelines. EU Pet Passport is accepted from EU countries; non-EU travelers need an official veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Dogs from certain countries require tapeworm treatment 24-120 hours before entry. Maximum 5 pets per person for non-commercial travel. Dangerous dog breeds may face restrictions. Birds and other animals have separate requirements - check with Swiss Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (FSVO).

Extended Stays (Over 90 Days)

Tourist stays exceeding 90 days require a National (D) Visa or residence permit. Apply at Swiss embassy/consulate in your home country before traveling - you cannot convert a tourist visa/stay into a long-term visa while in Switzerland. Options include: work permits (requires job offer from Swiss employer), student visas (requires acceptance to Swiss educational institution), family reunification (for family members of Swiss residents), retirement visas (for financially independent retirees, though difficult to obtain), or business/investor visas. Processing can take several months. EU/EFTA citizens have different, more flexible rules under freedom of movement agreements.

Business Travelers

Business visitors on short trips (under 90 days) can enter on tourist visa/visa-free but cannot receive salary from Swiss source or engage in gainful employment. Permitted activities include meetings, conferences, negotiations, and training. Carry invitation letter from Swiss company, proof of employment with foreign company, and evidence that you'll receive salary from abroad. For work assignments, even short-term, a work permit is required. Professional equipment may need temporary import documentation (ATA Carnet recommended).

Students and Researchers

Students enrolled in Swiss institutions for over 90 days need a student visa (National D Visa) before arrival. Apply with proof of enrollment, financial means (CHF 21,000 per year minimum), accommodation, and health insurance. Some nationalities may enter visa-free and apply for residence permit after arrival, but check specific requirements. Exchange students and researchers have specific visa categories. Language course students have different requirements than degree-seeking students.

Transit Through Switzerland

Airport transit (not leaving international zone) generally doesn't require a visa for most nationalities, but some nationals require an Airport Transit Visa (ATV). If leaving the airport or traveling through Switzerland by train/car to another country, normal entry requirements apply. Schengen rules apply - transit through Switzerland counts toward your 90-day limit if you enter the Schengen Area.